The only constant is change. And this has never been truer in the workplace since the Covid-19 pandemic. Today, the ability to embrace change — in other words, adaptability and flexibility — is among the most sought-after soft skills by recruiters.

Let’s take a common example at the end of a recruitment process:

• Candidate #1: meets 100% of the required technical skills but has limited experience with organizational or personal changes.

• Candidate #2: meets 60% of the technical skills but successfully convinces the recruiter of their strong adaptability.

Who do you think will be chosen? There’s a good chance it’s the second one. The principle of “Hire for attitude, train for skills” remains as relevant as ever. The mindset that drives adaptability is curiosity — the ability to question yourself, to learn, and to be open to opinions and realities different from your own.

Are you the type who resists and complains when unexpected changes occur? Or are you someone who knows how to bounce back — and maybe even “sing in the rain”? It’s a metaphor, of course. But ask yourself honestly: Could a simple change in the interview’s date, time, or location already be a test of your adaptability — and your assertiveness?

According to the Larousse dictionary, adaptability is: “The ability to adjust to new environments or new situations.”

In other words, it means, adjusting your behavior accordingly, knowing how to use available resources to move forward and succeed.

How Can You Demonstrate It During an Interview? It’s not enough to say: “I can adapt to any situation.”. Instead, give a concrete example from your professional experience, such as: “During my X years in the company, the ERP system — a key tool in my role — went through three different versions. Each time, I took the initiative to quickly learn the new features, identify potential issues, and help my team transition smoothly.” Remember: adaptability is proven through actions, not words.